For this 74th Independence Day anniversary, not only our country of Bharath is rejoicing, but those around the world are taking part as well. Western countries like the U.S. are displaying their support for Bharath nicely. We see the displays of Independence Day celebrations in New York City. As a first-time event in the world-famous Times Square in Manhattan, the tri-colored Indian flag has been hoisted and celebrated.
Just as this country has gained the strength and position to stand on its own two legs, we can also garner that strength to stand up for historic values. The history of this country spans back well beyond 74 years; it goes to hundreds of thousands as documented by our Vedic texts. Unfortunately, it has yet to make its way in the main stream of our modern education system.
Every country celebrates its history proudly. They display and discuss the greatness of their country from generation to generation among friends, family and society at large. Bharath, however, does not have this same national pride.
This weakness stems from the lack of historic exposure in our school systems. This country’s development, its qualifications, the scientific developments, the economic systems and cultural impacts – it’s all there, it’s in our history. But it has not surfaced to the mainstream. Rather, mundane, lower topics have taken over common awareness amongst the people.
Only with our current national leadership have we started to make in ways toward instilling that national pride that we can discuss amongst all of our people: PM Modi has started to install a new sense of pride to the citizens of this nation: this country is mine, this history is mine, these 138 crores of people are my brothers and sisters.
For a nation, state, town or village – so many types of families, races, castes, and characteristics exist. Developing a mood of “my country” brings us together to do good activities as one, a combined unit. That kind of leadership is required.
Before this, we had kings who would behead citizens to make a point. There was no limit to their terror. Now, modern leadership has fixed those flaws and allowed our country to stand tall with its head high.
What is the head of this country?
Kashmir. This is our head of our country geographically and symbolically. With this new sense of pride, we can smile with our head high. The reenactment of key government articles after – 73 years – finally enabled this unity of country.
Ironically, when the west ruled this country, we were actually united as one. Regardless of the dozens of castes and backgrounds (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, etc.), these people all worked together before independence. Leaders after independence disbanded these groups to make them disparate and weak so certain agendas could be met. Working together and banding as one unit again finally has been made possible under PM Modi.
The actual Independence Day is much more than fireworks, sweets and nice music. It’s now time to truly celebrate. Our history should pave the way for the future with values and morals.
For the whole modern human race, not just Bharath background, Valmiki and Vyasa provided us with grant ithihasas dating back 17 million years. We see this history handed down exactly as it happened, even now being reminisced. Even the bridge between Bharath and Lanka is there today, we can see and experience it. However, overtime, that history has been watered down to point where it almost didn’t happen.
Only now has that land where Sri Rama lived, Ayodhya, been given back to the rightful owners. Sri Rama’s birthplace has a grand temple under construction. Sri Rama’s life is a mirror for mankind. Due to PM Modi, now this land can be a reminder to that for this entire country.
Let’s celebrate this Independence Day not only for political freedom. Let’s use days like these to rejoice in our Vedic scriptures for the betterment of all mankind.
-From the discourse of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami
74th Independence Day, Nadigaddepalem
A government educational official once visited a primary school. He asked the students questions about math, science, grammar and our timeless Bharath history.
He asked one of the students, “who was it that broke the Siva Dhanuhu (the historic bow which Sri Rama broke from Tretha yuga)”? The student was nervous and did not respond, even after multiple requests. His teacher stepped in and objected “this is a good student; he did not break anything!”
The official was surprised. The principal of the school also objected “this is an honest teacher and an honest student – they did not break the Dhanuhu!”
Then, even the headmaster of all the local schools also came to their defense, “none of these people broke the bow and arrow, we will investigate with higher authorities!”
Finally, even the MLA of the entire district had no idea who broke the Dhanuhu and called for a state-wide investigation.
The government official was appalled. The story of Sri Rama breaking the Siva Dhanuhu was once well known, timeless history. The whole country knows of this common episode, yet as of late, we have somehow lost track of our national pastimes and values. Though we are getting educated in modern schools, we have failed to pass on morals and righteous teachings from this great country.
Going forward, we should strive to educate and inspire our citizens to grow not only their education acumen, but also their patriotism. Let’s strive to develop a population that are willing to give their life to the growth of this country for future generations to come.
– HH Ahobila Jeeyar Swami
Srimad Bhagavatam says, “mahi:m maha:bha:gavataha sa sa:sa”. It means that the land of Bharath was once ruled by leaders who walked under the guidance of great jna:nis, the wise. The leaders themselves were wise, some of them were even great writers. This land has given the wealth of wisdom to the rest of the world back then. Its spiritual excellence is of great glory across the globe. Even when we lost our freedom to external entities, several great leaders stood together with the same spirit. It was after Independence that we began to forget the ancient historical significance that held us united and on the top of the world for many eons.
Lord Rama served all the people and the land to the core. It is said, “Ra:mo: ra:jyam upa:sitva”.
Today, the honorable Prime Minister Modi ji is walking the same path to restore the core strength of the country. Let’s all contribute to his success by following the lead. Let’s pray that such a leader gets all the strength to bring back the glory of the nation.
– Sri Krishnamacharya (Nepal)
When you see mud in flower pot, what comes to mind?
It’s not simply a piece of Earth. This is Bharath. Anywhere we see this mud, regardless if it’s in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Gujurat, UP, MP, Kerala or Kashmir – this is Bharath. This is one nation. In the same way, regardless of our language or background, we are all Indians first. We should unite under this identity.
What is this flag? It’s not simply cloth to be hoisted on a pole on August 15th or January 26th to be saluted and nicely folded back. This is a symbol of love, pride and freedom. Great people before us have imprinted this symbol in their hearts and passed it down to us to remind us of our great history.
Whatever you do in life, strive to imprint this symbol in your heart. Use it to unite us. Use it to remind yourself to tear down the elements that divide us. Rather, let’s band together just as a string makes a mala out of different kinds of beautiful flowers.
But how? Let’s start with language. Though Hindi is a ‘national’ language, it still fails to unite us across all the states of this beautiful land. In my personal opinion, we can opt for the language for which all Indian languages have their root. Sanskrit. This language not only is the seed to all of our cultures, but also allows to appreciate our ancient history as it was intended to be.
Without this kind of common uniting element, there is always danger of a foreign rule. Even today, there are threats from all borders: China and Pakistan to be specific. We should keep strong, stay united and strive to be one country, one land, under one flag.
Remember this and keep your country in mind first.
Jai Hind! Jai Srimannarayana!!
– Srimati Ninanandaji, hailing from a family of generations of military personnel
